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Dakota: Doggie Introvert Turned Extrovert

Kristin M. wasn’t planning to adopt a dog when she visited the ASPCA Adoption Center in Manhattan, but meeting Dakota changed her mind. She shared the following story with us about the way in which her family of three became a family of four.

We decided to adopt Dakota when we first saw her. She wiggled up to the glass wagging her tail and just seemed like the sweetest girl—not too big or too small—and flashed her happy Pit Bull smile.

We had never adopted before. We, of course, went to “just look.” After meeting Dakota and learning she wasn’t quite ready for adoption, we put a hold on her.

The adoption process was so easy! It was great being able to have Dakota and our bossy Chihuahua, Cali, meet in a neutral area at the Adoption Center.

Dakota has adjusted into regular home life here. When we first brought her home, we could tell she wasn't used to being in a home setting. Every time I opened the refrigerator, she tried to climb inside it! Stairs were a real challenge for her, even though it is only three steps. We kept her and her older sister separated, while we were gone, for the first two months, just to be safe.

Over the past five months, she has relaxed quite a bit. Dakota walks on a leash very nicely now and has no trouble with our little set of stairs. We often joke that she wants to be best friends with everyone she meets on the street. She and Cali sleep next to each other and even play! Of course, Cali is still the boss.

We couldn't be happier to have Dakota as a member of our little family. We don't even mind waking up to her silly face trying to lick ours!